The document summarizes the rocket equation, which defines how a rocket's velocity changes as it expels propellant. It is derived from Newton's laws of motion and the conservation of momentum and energy. The equation shows that a rocket's final velocity (vf) minus its initial velocity (vi) equals the relative velocity between the exhaust and rocket (vrel) multiplied by the natural logarithm of the ratio between the rocket's initial mass (mi) and final mass (mf) as propellant is used.
The document summarizes the rocket equation, which defines how a rocket's velocity changes as it expels propellant. It is derived from Newton's laws of motion and the conservation of momentum and energy. The equation shows that a rocket's final velocity (vf) minus its initial velocity (vi) equals the relative velocity between the exhaust and rocket (vrel) multiplied by the natural logarithm of the ratio between the rocket's initial mass (mi) and final mass (mf) as propellant is used.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
The document summarizes the rocket equation, which defines how a rocket's velocity changes as it expels propellant. It is derived from Newton's laws of motion and the conservation of momentum and energy. The equation shows that a rocket's final velocity (vf) minus its initial velocity (vi) equals the relative velocity between the exhaust and rocket (vrel) multiplied by the natural logarithm of the ratio between the rocket's initial mass (mi) and final mass (mf) as propellant is used.
Copyright:
Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
velocity of a rocket as it expels a propellant • Derived from Newton’s Second and Third Laws • Can be derived from Conservation of Momentum and Energy vf – vi = vrel ln (mi/mf)
vf final velocity of the rocket in m/s
vi initial velocity of the rocket in m/s vrel relative velocity between the exhaust and the rocket in m/s ln natural logarithm mi initial mass of the rocket in kg mf final mass of the rocket in kg Deriving the Rocket Equation Begin with F = dp/dt (Newton’s Second Law) Recall, p = m v (momentum) Do not assume m nor v are constant, so F = d(m v)/dt = v dm/dt + m dv/dt If we let the force go to zero (equilibrium), -v dm/dt = m dv/dt Reworking, dv = -v dm/m Integrating, we find the rocket equation vf – vi = vrel ln (mi/mf)
Negative Mass and Negative Refractive Index in Atom Nuclei - Nuclear Wave Equation - Gravitational and Inertial Control: Part 3: Gravitational and Inertial Control, #3